Library Rules of Conduct

Within the library, the responsibility for the safety of individuals, the protection of library property, and the maintenance of order lies with the library staff. All staff members should inform patrons of the library’s rules of conduct and, if necessary, may ask disorderly persons to leave the building.

Staff members are authorized to call the police for assistance in the case of violent behavior, illegal activities or disorderly patrons who refuse to cooperate.

Staff members are authorized to inspect patrons’ outer garments and carrying bags or containers of any kind for concealed library materials.

The library does not provide care or supervision of minor children left unattended by their parents either inside or outside the building. The Director is authorized to suspend a person’s library use privileges temporarily or permanently if he engages in illegal or violent behavior on library premises or if he repeatedly ignores the library’s rules of conduct.

The following behavior is not permitted:
  loud talking and laughing
  obscene language and cursing
  running, rough-housing or throwing things
  placing feet on tables or chairs
  sleeping
  fighting, real or pretend
  smoking

Eating and drinking are permitted only in designated areas.

Soliciting is not permitted except in support of the library and sanctioned library activities.

Soliciting includes:
  selling items
  begging
  panhandling
  circulating petitions
  distributing printed material
  conducting surveys

Patrons may not bring any animals, except those trained to aid the disabled.

Library business phones may be used by patrons only for brief calls of an emergency nature. Pay telephones on or near the library premises are to be used by patrons whenever practicable.

If the Director decides to suspend a person’s library use privileges, the person will be informed by letter. A copy of the letter will be on file at the appropriate branch or department. If the person has an LCPL library card, he will be blocked for the duration of the suspension.